MARTINEZ -- A frightened Chihuahua rescued from the center divider of a busy freeway last week has been reunited with her family, according to Contra Costa Animal Services.

The dog, who had been nicknamed "Freeway" after she was found quivering in terror on the center divide ron Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek Friday, was not left there, as previously had been suggested, officials posted on the organization's Facebook page Thursday.

The lucky chihuahua's real name is Charm, the post stated, and she was reunited with her family -- two young girls and their father -- after they had desperately searched for nearly a week for their family friend after she somehow escaped from their backyard.

Officials said the girls had been posting messages on Instagram pleading for help in finding their beloved dog.

California Highway Patrol officials tweeted a photo of one of their officers using a protein bar to try to lure the dog from the divider. Contra Costa Animal Services officer Andrew Tara picked up the frightened animal and carried him to safety, and was present Thursday when Charm was reunited with his family.

The girls drew a picture for Tara of Charm posing happily with two food bowls: One with her name, and one that said "Freeway." The family learned important -- and costly -- lessons in "pet licensing, microchipping, spaying, good fencing, and the power of social media," according to the post.